The final will take place in Moscow on indoor hard surface (venue of Kremlin Cup).
So far we have the Czech team nominated: Kvitova, Safarova, Hradecka, Peschke
who will win?
Masha should play the final
And Makarova? . Petrova, Kirilenko, Vesnina, Pervak, Dushevina, etc. are all in much better form. Russia might as well play Artamonova if they're going to play Makarova
The Czechs are winning. Kvitova is not going to lose. They also won't lose the doubles rubber. I also think Lucie has a chance to upset given her recent form.
Head2heads
Kvitova 3-3 Zvonareva (2-2 this year)
Kvitova 0-0 Kuznetsova
Kvitova 2-2 Pavlyuchenkova (1-1 this year)
Safarova 0-1 Zvonareva (0-1 this year)
Safarova 1-2 Kuznetsova (0-0 this year)
Safarova 1-3 Pavlyuchenkova (0-1 this year)
Given Petra's rapid improvement this year and her current form, I'd be very surprised if she lost either of her singles rubbers. That gives Safarova two shots at clinching it and Peschke & Hradecka one. The pressure will be on the Russians in those three matches.
This is the most exciting looking final we've had in years.
So Czechs haven’t won since 20 years, though they had won it 5 times before and they last won in1988, so now it’s high time. Russia is having less title in this than their opponents, but still they cannot be underrated.
LOL at the collective drooling over czech team...it's not like russians gals don't know how to play Kvitty or did she become an undisputed GOAT overnight? Please...
Well, she has been scary on indoors all year. She hasn't lost a match on this surface. If this was played on Indian Wells or something, Vera and Pavly would have MUCH more chances.
Also, Safarova likes indoor and has done well at Moscow. And Peschke can be decisive on doubles in case she's needed :shrug:
Overall, I think the czechs are the clear favourites. And I want Russia to win
Russia
Zvonareva - 7/2 in singles, 1/0 in doubles (2/0 & 0/0 this year)
Kuznetsova - 15/6 in singles, 6/1 in doubles (2/1 &1/0 this year)
Pavlyuchenkova - 2/1 in singles, 2/1 in doubles (2/0 & 2/0 this year)
Makarova - 0/1 in singles, 2/0 in doubles (0/0 & 1/0 this year)
Kirilenko - 0/1 in singles, 1/0 in doubles (hasn't played this year)
Czech Rep
Kvitova - 9/4 in singles, 0/1 in doubles (4/0 & 0/0 this year)
Safarova - 5/7 in singles, 0/1 in doubles (1/1 & 0/0 this year)
Peske - 6/8 in singles, 9/7 in doubles (0/0 & 0/1 this year)
Hradecka - 1/2 in singles, 1/1 in doubles (hasn't played this year)
Vera is out and Tarpischev picked Maria Kirilenko to play unstead of Nastia.
He picked Kirilenko over Safina against Belgium a few years ago, and it didnt work out.